One of Gov. Doyle’s top priorities is to reform
state government so that it is more innovative, customer-friendly
and goal-driven. We often hear from businesses about the difficulties
they experience in learning about and complying with applicable
regulations. Until recently, businesses seeking information on regulatory
requirements and financial and technical assistance programs had
to search phonebooks, Web sites and several different agencies to
find out what they needed. The online Business Wizard changes that.
It is an example of state government agencies working together to
help businesses get fast, accurate information at one stop.

From a button on the www.Wisconsin.gov
home page, the Business Wizard lets the user describe his or her
business, its features and requirements. If the user is uncertain
about an issue such as the type of business incorporation, the Wizard
directs him or her to an explanatory link. Once the user has completed
the five data entry steps, the Wizard instantly develops a comprehensive,
carefully-tailored summary of business requirements. The summary
provides all the information the user needs as well as online access
to forms or other documents. The Wizard covers over 750 state licenses
and over 500 business types. The Wizard also links to the new Department
of Resources Permit Primer which offers an online tutorial that
allows business owners to walk through the first steps of a virtual
permitting process.

The Department of Commerce took the lead on developing
this fast, effective tool for any business needing state regulatory
and resource information. However, full credit goes to all 18 departments
that worked together in unprecedented cooperation to implement this
resource. Since its launch in February 2003, the Wizard has received
many positive responses from its users. Comments received from the
public are what help us identify what additional improvements and
enhancements need to be implemented in order to provide greater
satisfaction for our users.